Hua Chunying. File Photo

China and Pacific Island nations have agreed to deepen cooperation and strengthen multilateral coordination in combating the coronavirus pandemic during the second Vice Ministers' Special Meeting on COVID-19, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The two sides looked back on the significant achievements resulting from working together to combat COVID-19 and advancing socio-economic development. The groups reached an important consensus addressing ongoing efforts to control COVID-19, in addition to strengthening cultural exchanges and multilateral coordination, said Hua Chunying, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry. 

The meeting was co-chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang and Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands Jeremiah Manele, which was attended by representatives from China and 10 Pacific Island nations with diplomatic ties with China.

Chinese officials proposed enhancing cooperation with island countries in the areas of vaccine supply, a joint COVID-19 response fund, debt service suspension, e-commerce, and personnel exchanges, amongst other issues. 

The new initiatives have been welcomed by the island countries who stated that outside support is essential in fighting the health crisis and protecting the livelihoods of Pacific Islanders.  

Both sides have reaffirmed that the pandemic is a common threat to the mankind and vowed to strengthen cooperation in both international and regional affairs, jointly upholding international justice, advocating multilateralism and the interests of developing countries. Both parties agreed to push forward a mutually beneficial strategic partnership.